Applying for a job in Austria requires a well-structured and professional CV that matches local standards. The Austrian CV format (Lebenslauf) focuses on clarity, accuracy, and professionalism — combining European style with Austrian expectations for conciseness and detail.
What Is the Austrian CV Format?
An Austrian CV (Lebenslauf) is a detailed summary of your education, work experience, skills, and personal information, written in a clear and structured layout. It usually includes a professional photo, personal details (date of birth, nationality, address), and a signature at the end. Employers in Austria value honesty, structure, and a clean design over flashy formatting.
Austrian CV Format Example 2025
Below is the typical structure for an Austrian CV in 2025:
- Personal Information
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Contact details (email, phone)
- LinkedIn (optional)
- Professional photo
- Profile / Summary
A short paragraph summarizing your key skills, professional background, and career goals. - Work Experience
- Job title
- Company name
- Location
- Employment period (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY)
- Main responsibilities and achievements
- Education
- Degree / Certification
- Institution name
- Dates attended
- Skills & Competencies
- Technical skills
- Language proficiency (e.g., German – B2, English – C1)
- Software knowledge
- Additional Sections (optional)
- Training or certifications
- Volunteer work
- Publications
- Driving licence
- Signature and Date
Always sign and date your CV (even digitally). This is a cultural norm in Austria.
Austrian CV Format PDF Download
You can create your Austrian CV using Microsoft Word or Google Docs and then export it as a PDF — this is the preferred format for Austrian employers.
✅ Tip: Save the file as “CV_Firstname_Lastname.pdf” to look professional.
If you want, you can find free Austrian CV templates in PDF format on official job portals like AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice) or websites such as Europass.
Austrian CV Format (English Example with Photo)
Even when applying in English, Austrian employers expect:
- A passport-style professional photo
- Clear section headings (Personal Details, Experience, Education, etc.)
- A short and factual style (avoid overpromotion)
- A final signature and date
Example (in English):
John Smith
Vienna, Austria | johnsmith@email.com | +43 660 123 4567
Date of Birth: 05.02.1994 | Nationality: British
Profile:
Results-oriented mechanical engineer with 5+ years of experience in manufacturing and design, skilled in AutoCAD and project coordination.
Austrian CV Format for Engineers
For engineers, the Austrian CV should emphasize:
- Technical skills (e.g., CAD, MATLAB, project management software)
- Certifications (e.g., ISO, PMP, TÜV)
- Language skills, especially German (B1 or higher preferred)
- Projects or practical experience relevant to Austrian industries (e.g., automotive, renewable energy, civil infrastructure)
Include quantifiable results — e.g., “Reduced maintenance costs by 12% through process optimization.”
Austrian CV Length and Structure
An Austrian CV should typically be:
- 1 page for students or recent graduates
- 2 pages for experienced professionals
Keep it chronological (most recent first) and easy to scan. Avoid long paragraphs — use bullet points and clear headings.
How to Write an Austrian CV with No Experience
If you have little or no work experience:
- Focus on education, internships, and volunteer work
- Highlight transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication
- Add academic projects or coursework related to the job
- Include language skills (German is always a plus)
- Write a strong motivation letter to support your CV
Example entry:
2024 – Internship, Siemens Austria, Assisted in product testing and documentation for energy systems.
Austrian CV vs UK CV — Key Differences
| Aspect | Austrian CV | UK CV |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | Common and often expected | Not recommended |
| Personal details | Includes date of birth, nationality | Omitted due to privacy |
| Length | Usually 1–2 pages | Typically 2 pages |
| Signature | Required | Not required |
| Tone | Formal, factual | More flexible and self-promotional |
Austrian CV Template for Word
You can use Microsoft Word templates that match Austrian standards — clean, two-column layouts work well.
Include a placeholder for your photo, and ensure fonts are professional (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Helvetica).
Once completed, export your Word file to PDF for submission.
Austrian CV Keywords to Pass ATS
To pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by Austrian employers, use relevant keywords from the job description. Examples:
- Projektmanagement, Fertigung, Qualitätssicherung (Quality Assurance)
- AutoCAD, SAP, Microsoft Office, Deutsch B2
- Kundenservice, Teamarbeit, Kommunikation
✅ Use German keywords if the job ad is in German — Austrian ATS systems often prioritize them.
Austrian CV Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent CV errors when applying in Austria:
- Submitting CVs without a photo (unless the employer specifies English/international style)
- Forgetting to sign or date the CV
- Writing in poor German or using automatic translations
- Overly long CVs or unclear layouts
- Not tailoring the CV for specific job requirements
Final Tip
A successful Austrian CV is clear, concise, visually balanced, and culturally aligned. Always accompany your CV with a personalized motivation letter (Bewerbungsschreiben) that explains why you’re a good fit for the position.